Applicator for capillary products

ABSTRACT

Applicator for capillary products ( 1 ) designed for simultaneously applying at least one or several colors onto one or several strands of hair, comprising a plurality of disposable cartridges ( 2 ), each cartridge comprising two compartments ( 5, 6 ) for storing two components designed for dyeing strands of hair. The applicator further comprises a container ( 10 ) capable of containing a plurality of cartridges.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to the hair care industry, in particular in the field of hair dyeing.

STATE OF THE ART

Different devices exist in the state of the art for dyeing hair strands with a dye color.

Because hair-dyeing products are highly staining, it is necessary to avoid as much as possible any undesirable contact between the product and the fingers of the user or of the hairdresser performing the dyeing.

Many dyes are obtained by mixing two hair products, for example a dye and an oxidizing agent. Since the mixture is unstable, it must be done just prior to its application on the hair. This operation is often delicate and it is not rare for one of the products or for the mixture to run onto the floor, the clothes or the hands of the person doing the mixing.

EP-A1-1433399 describes a device for applying a hair product on hair strands that is mounted on a finger. The quantity of product in the reservoir is however very limited and it is thus necessary to replace the container several times to achieve a complete dyeing of a head of hair. On the other hand, this device only allows one strand at a time to be colored, so that its application is slow.

US-A1-2008/000492 describes another device in which the strands to be dyed are inserted between the two parts of the device closed by a hinge. The hair going through the device is guided and colored separately. Again, the application is very slow since each strand needs to be inserted separately into the device and then treated individually.

EP-A1-1264559 describes another device for applying a hair product onto strands. The device comprises a slit communicating with the reservoir for introducing a strand to be colored. The application is thus faster since inserting a strand into a slit is a quick action. The capacity of the hair product reservoir can be considerable. However, this device makes it possible to only dye one strand at a time, in a single color. Furthermore, the cartridge does not allow dyeing by means of components mixed just prior to use.

The various existing patents thus deal only with dyeing one strand of hair per application, with a single dye color. No simple, practical and time-saving method for dyeing hair with several colors simultaneously has been proposed.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aim of the present invention is to propose a hair product applicator free from the limitations of the known devices.

In particular, one aim is to propose a hair product applicator enabling a quicker treatment to be performed.

Another aim is to reduce the risk of contact between the hair product and the skin or clothes.

Another aim is to propose a hair product applicator making it easier to apply different products, for example of different colors, on different strands.

Another aim of the invention is to propose a hair product applicator enabling two components to be mixed and then the mixture to be applied on the hair strands.

According to the invention, these aims are achieved notably by means of hair product applicator designed for simultaneously applying at least one or several colors onto one or several strands of hair, comprising:

a container capable of containing a plurality of cartridges;

a plurality of disposable cartridges, each cartridge comprising two compartments for storing two components designed for dyeing strands of hair as well as a container that can contain a plurality of cartridges.

Using several cartridges in the same container makes it possible to apply the dye more quickly and to dye several strands at a time.

The applicator can contain several cartridges arranged in parallel to one another with an interstice between each cartridge.

This solution also makes it possible to dye in a single operation different strands in different colors.

This solution further enables the cost of the device to be reduced thanks to a container that can be reused and disposable color cartridges that constitute a consumable.

Each cartridge can comprise a slit for letting a strand of hair to be dyed pass through. The insertion of a complete strand into the slit of each cartridge is easy and quick, which makes a quick application possible.

The two compartments of each cartridge can be separated one from the other by a partition wall arranged to enable the two components to be mixed by displacing or deforming said partition wall. This thus enables the two components to be completely separated by a partition wall during transport and storage of the cartridge and then to mix them by removing, shifting and/or tearing the partition just before use.

In one embodiment, each cartridge comprises a manually operable push button for causing this partition to become deformed, teared or shifted. The partition can thus be moved apart by actuating the push button, without touching the partition wall itself. The push button can be parallel to the cartridge's slit and the partition wall can be perpendicular to this slit. The partition wall, or the edges of the partition wall, can be teared by pressing on the push button so as to enable the partition wall to shift and the two components to be mixed by going through the teared edges.

In another embodiment, the partition wall is essentially parallel to the slit.

The partition can comprise two thicknesses enclosing a removable joint tab by pulling it out from the slit. The tightness is ensured by the partition wall and/or by the joint tab.

Each cartridge can notably comprise a lower side, a front side and a rear side. The slit of each cartridge can be rectilinear and extend over the entire length of the lower side and on a portion of the height of the front and rear sides.

The partition wall and/or the joint tab can be removable and partly or fully pulled out from the cartridge.

The partition wall and/or the joint tab can be pulled out of the cartridge through the slit.

The partition wall and/or the joint tab can constitute a joint to ensure the tightness of the slit during storing and transport of the cartridge.

In one embodiment, the partition wall and/or the joint tab can be pulled partially out of the cartridge, through the slit, so as to allow the two components to be mixed. In this intermediate position, the joint tab always ensures the slit's tightness and it is thus possible to store the cartridge, during a limited duration, for example several minutes, with the hair product already mixed, and without risking the product spreading outside of the cartridge. In a second phase, the joint tab could be extracted completely out of the cartridge in order to free the slit and enable the hair product obtained by mixing the two components to be applied.

The partition wall between the two components can be made of elastically compressible elastomer.

The joint tab between the two compartments can be made of elastically compressible elastomer.

Each cartridge can comprise a ball arranged for making it easier to mix the hair products when the ball is shaken.

Each cartridge can comprise a fastening element for reversibly fastening the cartridge with a container. The cartridge can for example be fastened by elastic deformation, for example by means of clipsing.

This applicator enables a person who is not a professional in the hair-care industry to easily achieve the dyeing of hair strands. Preparations of coloring products of different colors remain protected within the cartridges, thus making it possible to work whilst achieving a maximum reduction of the contact of the hands with the coloring products.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Examples of ways of executing the invention are indicated in the description illustrated by the attached figures in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates diagrammatically the simultaneous application of hair product on several strands.

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate diagrammatically a cartridge according to a first embodiment of the invention, wherein the cover has been removed for illustration, the separating partition between the two compartments being in two successive positions.

FIG. 4 illustrates the cartridge of the first embodiment with the cover closed.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of an applicator according to a second embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a longitudinal cross section view of the applicator according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a cartridge according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 8 illustrates a simplified transparent view of a cartridge according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 9 illustrates a cross section view of a cartridge according to the second embodiment.

EXAMPLE(S) OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 illustrates an applicator 1 of hair product, for example hair color, during use. As can be seen in the figure, the device comprises several cartridges 2 placed side by side and united by a container 10. The cartridges 2 contain the hair product to be applied. Each cartridge 2 is provided with a slit 20 allowing the insertion of a user 5's strand of hair 50 to be dyed. By moving the device 1 along the strands 50, it is thus possible to treat or dye several strands simultaneously.

A first embodiment of a cartridge according to the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 4. The different cartridges can contain coloration product preparations of different colors. They are designed to be fastened in a removable manner on the container 10 provided with a handle. The cartridges 2 are preferably disposable, or possibly refillable so as to be reusable. The container 10 can be reused a considerable number of times with different cartridges inserted successively in the container.

The cartridges 2 comprise two compartments 5, 6 filled with coloring products with one or several components. A partition wall 4 separates the two compartments. The partition wall 4 comprises a tear zone, here a peripheral zone connecting the center of the thicker partition wall to the lateral edges of the cartridge 2.

The partition wall 4 can be moved by pushing with the hand the push button 3 connected to the partition wall so as to tear the tear zone 40 and then push the partition wall. The liquid of the compartment 5 passes into the compartment 6 through the tear zone 40 so that the two components mix.

The cartridge further comprises a slit 20 in its lower side 22 and in the front sides 23 and rear sides 24. A strand of hair can be inserted into this slit to be put into contact with the mixed hair product. The width of the slit is advantageously adapted according to the viscosity of the mixed hair product so as to avoid the risk of undesirable leakage of the liquid through the slit 20. In one embodiment, a removable tab seals the slit tight before use, notably during transport and storage of the cartridge 2.

The container 10 can comprise several locations each allowing to accommodate a cartridge 2. Each location can define an identical volume or one adapted to that of the cartridge. Each location can be provided with a slit 20 opposite the slit of the cartridge lodged in this location, so that the slits of the cartridge and the location are perfectly superimposed and ensure the hair strand glides through it.

The cartridge can for example be inserted into its location through the rear.

The cartridge's slit can be of flared shape at the bottom in order to make it easier to insert the hair strand to be colored.

A second embodiment is illustrated by way of example in FIGS. 5 to 9. The identical elements or those fulfilling an equivalent function to that of the corresponding elements of the first embodiment bear the same reference numbers.

In this example, the applicator comprises a container 1 with three locations for cartridges 2 of hair product. A different number of locations and cartridges can be conceived, from 2 to N. The cartridges 2 are arranged in parallel to one another, side-by-side, with a gap 21 between the cartridges. The cartridges can for example comprise dyes of the same color or of different colors. The user can chose the dye color in each location by affixing a dye cartridge of his/her choice thanks to the removable fastening elements 27, in this example a groove on the two lateral sides of each cartridge enabling it to be fastened by means of clipsing through elastic deformation in one location of the container.

Each cartridge 2 comprises a slit 20 for inserting a strand to be dyed. The slit 20 is preferably rectilinear and extends from the front wall 23, along the lower wall 22, and into the rear wall 24. Its width is sufficiently thin to prevent an undesirable spreading of the liquid outside the cartridge.

Each cartridge 2 further comprises two locations 5, 6 for two hair product components, for example for a dye and an oxidizing agent designed to be mixed one with the other just prior to application. In this embodiment, the two compartments 5, 6 are arranged side-by-side, on each side of the slit 20.

The compartments 5, 6 are opened on their internal side. This side is closed off by a double partition wall 4 clasping a joint tab 42 made of flexible elastomer material. The partition wall 4 serves as guide for the joint tab that also constitutes a wall and ensures a tight seal between the two compartments. The joint tab is mounted in a plane containing the slit 20 and which separates the two compartments one from the other. Before use, the joint tab 42 prevents the two components in the compartments 5 and 6 to mix one with the other.

The joint tab 42 can be partly pulled out of the cartridge 2, through the slit 20, by means of the handles 41, so as to enable the two components to be mixed. This intermediary position can be maintained by notches on the outer sides of the cartridge, in which the handles are inserted. In this position, the joint tab 42 working together with the partition wall 4 always ensures the tightness of the slit and it is thus possible to store the cartridge during a limited period of time, for example several minutes, with the hair product already mixed, and without risking the product leaking out of the cartridge. In a second phase, the joint tab 42 can be extracted completely out of the cartridge in order to free the slit 20 and enable the hair product obtained by mixing the two components to be applied.

The partition wall between the two compartments can be made of elastically compressible elastomer.

Each cartridge can comprise a ball 7 arranged for facilitating the mixture of the hair products when the ball is shaken.

The cartridge is preferably disposable. It is however also possible to imagine filling holes 8 for filling the two compartments of a used cartridge in order to recycle it.

The joint tab 42 is provided with two handles 41 that protrude through the slit 20 and that enable the joint tab to be extracted more easily by pulling downwards between the two thicknesses of the double partition wall 4.

REFERENCE NUMBERS USED IN THE FIGURES

-   1 Hair product applicator -   2 Cartridge -   3 Push button -   4 Partition wall -   5 User -   7 Ball -   8 Filling holes -   10 Container -   20 Slit -   21 Gap between two cartridges -   22 Lower side -   23 Front side -   24 Rear side -   27 Removable fastening element -   40 Tear zone -   41 Joint tab handles -   42 Joint tab -   50 Hair strands 

1-9. (canceled)
 10. Hair product cartridge for applying one or several colors on a strand of hair, comprising: a slit for letting a strand of hair to be dyed pass through, two compartments separated one from the other by a partition wall and/or a joint tab for storing two components designed for dyeing strands of hair, wherein the partition wall and/or the joint tab are designed for enabling the two components to be mixed by displacing or deforming said partition and/or joint tab.
 11. Cartridge according to claim 10, wherein each cartridge comprises a manually operable push button to cause the deformation or the displacement of said partition wall.
 12. Cartridge according to claim 10, comprising notably a lower side, a front side, and a rear side, said slit of each cartridge being rectilinear and extending over the entire length of said lower side and on a portion of the height of said front and rear sides.
 13. Cartridge according to claim 12, wherein said partition wall is essentially perpendicular to said slit and movable or deformable by a movement parallel to said slit in order to induce said components in said compartments to be mixed.
 14. Cartridge according to claim 12, said joint tab being essentially parallel to said slit.
 15. Cartridge according to claim 10, said joint tab being at least partly removable.
 16. Cartridge according to claim 10, wherein each cartridge comprises a ball designed for facilitating the mixture of said hair products when the ball is shaken.
 17. Cartridge according to claim 10, comprising a fastening element for reversibly fastening said cartridge with a container
 18. Cartridge according to claim 10, said partition wall and/or joint tab being made of elastically compressible elastomer.
 19. Hair product applicator designed for simultaneously applying at least one or several colors onto one or several strands of hair, the hair product applicator comprising: a container, said container being capable of containing a plurality of cartridges; a plurality of disposable cartridges, each cartridge comprising a storage area delimited by a lower side, a front side and a rear side, said storage area being divided in two compartments separated one from the other by a partition wall, each compartment being designed for storing one product designed to be mixed one with the other for dyeing strands of hair, by displacing or deforming said partition wall, each cartridge comprises a slit rectilinear and extending over the entire length of said lower side and on a portion of the height of said front and rear sides, said slit allowing a strand of hair to be dyed to pass through to be put into contact with the mixed hair product comprised within the storage area.
 20. Applicator according to claim 19, wherein the slit has a width, said width being adapted to the viscosity of the mixed hair product.
 21. Applicator according to claim 19, wherein the applicator further comprises a removable joint tab ensuring the tightness of the slit before use.
 22. Applicator according to claim 19, wherein the applicator further comprises a removable joint tab ensuring the tightness of the slit before use during transport and storage of the cartridge.
 23. Applicator according to claim 19, wherein each cartridge comprises a manually operable push button for causing the deformation or the displacement of said partition wall.
 24. Applicator according to claim 19, wherein said cartridges are placed in parallel to one another with a gap between each cartridge.
 25. Applicator according to claim 19, wherein said partition wall is essentially perpendicular to said slit and movable or deformable by a movement parallel to said slit in order to induce said components in said compartments to be mixed.
 26. Applicator according to claim 19, said joint tab being essentially parallel to said slit.
 27. Applicator according to claim 19, wherein each cartridge comprises a ball designed for facilitating the mixture of said hair products when the ball is shaken. 